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Los Angeles Rams free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

By Joe D'Aloisio

Mandatory Credit: Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Tyrann Mathieu, Houston Texans

Lamarcus Joyner has been with the Rams organization since he was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Through five seasons, Joyner has played in 67 games, compiled 305 tackles, broken up 25 passes, recorded five sacks and four interceptions. Last season he played in 15 games, his highest total since 2015. He also started in all 15 of those games, a career high.

In 2018, Joyner played under the franchise tag , earned just over $11 million and didn’t play at an elite level. According to Spotrac, Joyner’s market value is $10.6 million per season and he will likely earn a 4-5 year contract.

Could the Rams franchise him again? Yes, that is a possibility, but the Rams have a tendency of letting expensive defensive backs test the market. This may be even more likely this season because of how many players the Rams could potentially lose.

But, if the Rams let Joyner walk a huge upgrade would be former Houston Texans safety. Tyrann Mathieu. It would cost a significant amount, but he would make the entire defensive unit better immediately.

Over the last two seasons, Mathieu has played and started in all 16 games. He has recorded 163 tackles, broken up 15 passes, piled up 11 tackles for a loss, snagged four interceptions and brought opposing quarterbacks down four times.

Eric Reid set the market after inking a three-year deal worth a little more than $22 million. Mathieu will cost more and will likely wait and see what Earl Thomas gets before making a decision. Regardless, adding a player like Mathieu is a step in a right direction for the Rams.

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